ABSTRACT
Soviet history credits Russia with several innovations in submarine development: the world's first underwater vessel designed for military purposes in 1724-1727; the first mechanized submarine using compressed air in 1866; and the first submarine minelayer in 1915. In the Soviet literature, five major areas of interest concerning submarines are identifiable: submarine noise level, hull strength, propulsion, electronics, and missiles. Soviet authors acknowledge the utility of liquid fuels for submarines, but they prefer solid fuel because of its increased combat readiness and its easy operation and storage. Cruise missile and torpedo attack submarines are the primary general purpose weapons of the Soviet Navy. Soviet attack submarines are designed to counter enemy nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines and aircraft carriers. The Soviet submarines' heavy reliance on external assistance for intelligence and targeting data means that breaks in communications links between the central naval command post and deployed submarines would disrupt combat operations and hinder attempts to mass forces for coordinated attacks.
